Sinclair Community College Receives Generous Grants to Empower Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Sinclair Community College has received two significant grants for the Transition Option in Post-Secondary Education (Tartan TOPS) Program which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in pursuing higher education and career development. 

The Charles D. Berry Foundation and the CareSource Foundation generously donated the past two years to support Tartan TOPS, enabling the program to expand its resources and enhance its services to students.

Tartan TOPS provides wraparound support services and person-centered planning, allowing students to attend inclusive college classes for academic credit. After completing the program, many students continue their education at Sinclair, pursuing additional certificates or degrees, while others seek employment opportunities in the community.

“Sinclair Community College is profoundly grateful for the generosity of the Charles D. Berry Foundation and the CareSource Foundation. These grants will have a tremendous impact on the lives of our students, empowering them to reach their full potential through education and workforce experiences,” said Dr. Zachary Beck, Chief Development Officer at Sinclair Community College. 

Charles D. Berry is a native of the Miami Valley and is an active member of the community. In 2018, he established the Charles D. Berry Foundation because of his passion for his hometown and desire to foster positive change in the Greater Dayton community. He supports nonprofit organizations whose missions are focused on performing and visual arts, community enrichment, providing access to education, serving the needs of underserved populations, and improving health outcomes. 

Since 2006, the CareSource Foundation has awarded more than $32 million to nonprofits that are working to eliminate poverty, provide much-needed services to low-and moderate-income families, encourage healthy communities, develop innovative approaches to address critical health issues, and enhance the lives of a diverse array of children, adults and families.

“These generous grants are truly transformative and will allow us to continue fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where students with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive. Sinclair Community College is committed to ensuring that each student has access to the resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed academically and in their future careers,” added Tristan Chaput, Tartan TOPS Program Coordinator.

The Tartan TOPS program has grown considerably since its inception in 2021, creating the need for additional funding to ensure the increasing number of students have the necessary resources to meet their personal and career goals, improve their socialization and decision-making skills, and complete the program. 

Tartan TOPS started as an 18-month program with two graduates earning an Academic Career Readiness & Training credential. The program has now grown considerably with 14 students on track to graduate in December. To date, 24 students have graduated through the Tartan TOPS program.

In addition, starting in the 2024 fall semester, the program changed to a 2-year program with 20 students entering the program. 

Tartan TOPS has received several accolades, including the 2022-2023 Innovation of the Year Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College and the 2022 Erin Ritchey Educator Award from the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities which recognizes programs that improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

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